Android Google Services Data Usage is Huge

If you have a Nexus device running a custom ROM, you better check your data usage. A lot of people have noticed a huge spike in data usage on these platforms. The problem might not be limited to Nexus devices, but it is a problem with custom ROMs based on Android 4.2.2 and earlier. It seems to have started around the end of August. Some speculate that Google Services is downloading the Android 4.3 update, which fails since the ROM is custom, and then downloads the update again, etc.

I ran into this problem on my Nexus 7 (2012) running AOKP. This is how I fixed mine (hopefully, so far so good). Note that your device must be rooted, but if you're running a custom ROM, I assume it is.

• Download FOTAKill.apk from CyanogenMod or from XDA
• Move the APK to the /system/app folder (remember to remount /system read-write)
• Change owner/group to root/root and change permissions to 0644 (not sure if this is needed, but I did it to match existing apps)
• Reboot to recovery and wipe the cache
• Reboot and done

Hope this helps someone out there.

Two ICS ROMS for the LG Vortex (and other Optimus One phones)

I came across the Quattrimus site which has both CM9 and AOKP Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs for the LG Vortex and other LG Optimus One phones. The ROMs are in the beta stage so there are a few issues. Most notably, the sensors don't work (e.g. screen does not auto rotate) and there is a low mic/speakerphone issue. Also, international data roaming must be enabled for data to work. These seem to be the same issues that affected the CM7 ROM. More information can be found in this thread.

I loaded both ROMs on my Vortex and used them for a couple of days. While I only tested for a short time, the performance and functionality of both ROMs was very good. If the sensor and mic issues get resolved, I will definitely keep one of these installed.

The developer is also working on a Jelly Bean ROM. I'm keeping my fingers crossed,

Finally! CyanogenMod on the LG Vortex!

After waiting patiently for many months, I finally came across a CyanogenMod port for my LG Vortex. Over at Android Forums, bobZhome has released a CyanogenMod 7 ROM for the Vortex. There are some issues with the 12/2 release (the latest at the time I wrote this) so I recommend following the instructions in this post and installing the 11/9 release along with the listed fixes. There are a couple of things to note about the 11/9 release. First, the screen animations must be disabled in the CyanogenMod settings. Otherwise the unlock screen will be black. Also, you must enable international roaming to get data to work. So far it hasn't caused any extra charges to show up on my bill.

I have been running it for several weeks now and I am very happy with it. I am using the smartass governor, bfq scheduler, and have it overclocked to 768MHz. The kernel can be overclocked to 864MHz but my phone can't handle it. Note that using the GINM kernel requires a 3rd party app to set the governor, scheduler, and clock speed, such as Voltage Control or SetCPU.

Everything is smooth and fast and battery life is great. I have seen a couple of seemingly random reboots, but I suspect overclocking is partly responsible.

So head on over to Android Forums and grab this fantastic ROM. Of course, do a nandroid backup first and don't blame me if you brick your phone.